HSTP 2014
HUMAN SERVICES TRANSPORTATION PLAN
A Coordinated Public Transit Plan
2014
2014 Human Services Coordinated Transportation Plan completed by Okanogan County
Transportation & Nutrition for Okanogan Council of Governments as required for participation in
the WSDOT Consolidated Grant Program. This plan was approved by Okanogan County
Council of Governments on 2/09/2015.
Contents
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Acknowledgements……………………………………………………………………………… 4
Contact Information …………………………………………………………………….. 4
ADA Accommodations …………………………………………………………………. 4
Non-Discrimination Assurance …………………………………………………………4
Chapter 1
Introduction……………………………………………………………………….5
Project Goals……………………………………………………………………….……..6
Federal and State Roles……………………………………………………………….6-7
Washington State Coordination Efforts……………………………………………......7
Map – Okanogan County Transit Authority Service area…………………………....8
Stakeholder involvement…………………………………………………….………9-10
Chapter 2
Description of existing transportation services…………………………...…11
Deviated/Fixed Route Service.………………………………………………………...11
Map - Deviated/Fixed Route…………………………………………………………...12
Demand Response Service……………………………………………………………13
Map - Demand Response Service…………………………………………………....14
Contract Services……………………………………………………………………….15
Long Distance Service…………………………………………………………………15
Chapter 3
Key Findings……………………………………………………………………16
Study Area Description…………………………………………………………………16
Demographics…………………………………………………………………………...16
Common Origins………………………………………………………………………...17
Common Destinations…………………………………………………………………..17
Emergency Management……………………………………………………………….17
Intelligent Transportation Systems…………………………………………………….17
Needs-gaps-barriers……………………………………………………………..…18-19
Chapter 4
Prioritization and Implementation…………………………………………….20
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Prioritization Process…………………………………………………………….….20-21
Project Lists……………………………………………………………………………...22
Implementation………………………………………………………………………….23
Appendix………………………………………………………………………………...24
Appendix A – Acronyms…………………………………………………………….....25
Stakeholders………………………………………………………………………...26-28
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Acknowledgements
This plan was facilitated through a Washington State Department of Transportation grant as a
service to Okanogan Council of Governments. Additional partners in this plan include;
Okanogan County Transportation & Nutrition, Okanogan County Transit Authority and the
Washington State Department of Transportation.
Contact Information:
For more information or to request a copy of this document, please contact:
Okanogan County Transportation and Nutrition
Jennifer Fitzthum, Executive Director
P.O. Box 711
Omak WA 98841
509-826-4391
jfitzthum@octn.org
Or
Washington State Department of Transportation
Tom Hanson
Intercity Bus & Transportation Specialist
P.O. Box 47687
Olympia, WA 98504
509-667-3029
hansont@wsdot.wa.gov
ADA Accommodations:
Individuals with disabilities may request written materials in alternate formats by contacting
Washington State Department of Transportation.
warnerry@wsdot.wa.gov
360-705-6918
P.O. Box 47387
Olympia, WA 98504
Non-Discrimination Assurance:
Okanogan Council of Governments assures that no person shall on the grounds of race, color,
national origin, or sex as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and as amended,
and the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 (P.L 100.259) be excluded from participation in, be
denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity
receiving Federal financial assistance from the Washington State Department of Transportation.
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Chapter 1 Introduction
Okanogan Council of Governments (OCOG) was formed to act as a single county not belonging
to any Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO). The OCOG will serve the same
function as an RTPO in that it will provide a forum for discussion of issues impacting Okanogan
County and its respective local governments. With all the municipalities, Okanogan County,
Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Okanogan County Transit Authority, and
Okanogan County Transportation & Nutrition as partners, the OCOG will serve to assess the
transportation needs of Okanogan County.
This Human Services Transportation Plan (HSTP) has been prepared in compliance within the
requirements of WSDOT guidelines and covers the entire area of Okanogan County. It is
intended to identify all of the existing public transportation services available in Okanogan
County. The HSTP also identifies the transportation needs identified by the residents and social
service agencies in Okanogan County. The difference between the existing services and the
needs provides the portion of this document which notes gaps and barriers in public
transportation. With the needs and gaps identified transportation providers can then create
programs which address the needs and gaps and apply for WSDOT funding to provide those
programs.
Okanogan County, the largest county in Washington State by land area, consists of widely
varied terrain across its 5,281 square miles (Okanogan County webpage) and is home to
approximately 41,120 residents (2010 census data). Meeting all the transportation needs in a
county where large distances exist between communities and where residences are often in
remote locations will be a challenge.
Representatives of various city/county jurisdictions, transportation providers, transit users, social
services groups and at-risk client advocates (youth, disabled, low income, and elderly
populations) worked through a public process and collaborative effort to review the current
transportation services, identify gaps in transportation services and address the future
transportation needs of Okanogan County residents.
This plan complies with Executive Order 13330 and MAP-21.
www.fhwa.dot.gov/map21
Project Goals
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This plan has three basic goals:
1. Meet the requirements set by MAP-21 and the State of Washington for Coordinated
Transportation Planning.
2. Facilitate funding and operation of local transportation services operating in Okanogan
County.
3. Highlight the needs of citizens, private business, social service agencies, non-profits and
public transportation providers in order to provide an effective and useful public
transportation network in Okanogan County.
In addition to the above goals, this plan will also reinforce the efforts made by local
transportation providers to create a sustainable system that can effectively serve the whole
population of Okanogan County in a cost effective and coordinated manner.
This plan complies with MAP-21, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, which
President Obama signed into law (P.L. 112-141) on July 6, 2012.
In MAP-21, the metropolitan and statewide transportation planning processes are continued and
enhanced to incorporate performance goals, measures, and targets into the process of
identifying needed transportation improvements and project selection. Public involvement
remains a hallmark of the planning process.
Federal Highway Administration website www.fhwa.dot.gov/Map21
Federal and State Roles:
The requirements of MAP-21 build upon previous federal initiatives intended to enhance social
service transportation coordination.
Human Service Transportation Coordination was established by President Bush by Executive
Order 13330 on February 24, 2004

Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility (CCAM), a federal interagency council
established by President George W. Bush by Executive Order in 2004. The CCAM
oversees activities and makes recommendations that advance the goals of the Order:
simplify customer access to transportation, reduce duplication of transportation services,
streamline federal rules and regulations that may impede the coordinated delivery of
services, and improve the efficiency of services using existing resources. Chaired by the
Secretary of Transportation, the Council is composed of the Secretaries of Health and
Human Services, Education, Labor, Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Housing and Urban
Development, Interior and Justice as well as the Commissioner of the Social Security
Administration and the Chairperson of the National Council on Disability.
www.unitedweride.gov

United We Ride (UWR) is a federal interagency initiative aimed at improving the
availability, quality, and efficient delivery of transportation services for older adults,
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people with disabilities, and individuals with lower incomes. Transportation plays a
critical role in providing access to employment, health care, education, community
services, and activities necessary for daily living. The importance is underscored by the
variety of transportation programs that have been created in conjunction with health and
human services programs and by the significant federal investment in accessible public
transportation systems throughout the Nation. Ironically, for most people who need
transportation help, the creation of more programs has resulted in several unintended
consequences. Transportation services are often fragmented, underutilized, or difficult to
navigate, and can be costly because of inconsistent, duplicative, and often restrictive
federal and state program rules and regulations. And, in some cases, narrowly focused
programs leave service gaps, and transportation services are simply not available to
meet certain needs.
www.unitedweride.gov

Medicaid Transportation
As the state Medicaid agency in Washington, the Health Care Authority (HCA) ensures
the provision of necessary medical transportation in accordance with federal regulations
(42 CFR 431.53). HCA provides this Medicaid benefit (non-emergency medical
transportation or NEMT) through contracts with six regional transportation brokers (42
CFR 440.170).
Washington State Coordination Efforts
The Agency Council on Coordinated Transportation (ACCT) was created in the 1998 legislative
Session. The Legislature found that transportation systems for persons with special needs were
not operated as efficiently as possible. Often people cannot access needed services because
of transportation barriers. A structure was needed that could communicate across
organizational boundaries and facilitate coordinated special needs transportation systems
through collaborative state and community processes.
The Agency Council on Coordinated Transportation is a council of state agencies, transportation
providers, consumer advocates and legislators with the mission to:



Promote the coordination of special needs transportation
Provide a forum for discussing issues and initiating change
Provide oversight and direction to the state’s coordination agenda
People with special transportation needs
People with special transportation needs are defined in RCW 81.66 as people “including their
personal attendants, who because of physical or mental disability, income status, or age are
unable to transport themselves or purchase transportation”.
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Map of Transit Boundary to be added later
Stakeholder Involvement
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Okanogan County Transportation & Nutrition and the Okanogan County Transit Authority are
the two transportation providers in Okanogan County. Stakeholders, including individuals who
represent the current transportation providers, social services, work source agencies, health
care organizations, tribal organizations, major employers, elected officials, school districts,
seniors, and interested riders were invited to attend planning meetings to develop a snapshot of
the transportation needs and gaps. Letters and emails were sent out to interested parties
requesting participation.
In July 2014, a total of four stakeholder meetings were scheduled; one in Omak, one in
Tonasket, one in Brewster and one in Twisp. Unfortunately, at that time, a fire of historic
proportions took place burning over 250,000 square miles and destroying over 350 homes in
Okanogan County. Participation at the meetings was affected by this as people were focused
on the losses in their communities and working to help those affected by the fire.
During these meetings, the groups focused on reviewing the current service levels, service
needs, and frequency of routes, connecting communities, and transportation gaps.
Participants worked through prioritizing local needs, gaps, and barriers in order to develop an
effective transportation system. Participants prioritized projects, identifying which existing
services would be most threatened if funding were reduced and/or eliminated. Participants also
identified areas of greatest need for new services.
A survey of existing OCTN riders, which included general public, disabled, low income, and
senior riders, was taken to identify the needs of actual users of the current transportation
services. Addressed were routes, frequency of service, hours of service, days of service,
purpose of rides and gaps in the current system.
It was the consensus of the group that first and foremost priority is maintaining, at a minimum,
the current level of transportation services. Stakeholders went on to address needs and gaps in
services. Those included:
 Extend daily service hours on all current transportation routes and demand response
service.
 Provide weekend service on all current deviated fixed routes and demand response
service.
 Increase frequency, extend hours and provide weekend service for the Omak/Okanogan
shuttle service.
 Increase demand response service in the smaller communities of Tonasket, Oroville,
Brewster/Pateros, and Twisp/Winthrop to 5-7 days per week.
 Add and/or increase the number of deviated fixed routes from Tonasket, Oroville,
Brewster/Pateros, and Twisp/Winthrop to the Omak area.
 Provide connectivity to Grant County Transit and to Link Transit in Chelan and Douglas
Counties for access to services not located in Okanogan County (i.e. health care
specialists, air and train service, shopping located in Spokane and Wenatchee).
 Offer reduced fares on a sliding scale based on income.
 Offer commuter routes between the Methow Valley and Omak and between the Methow
Valley and Pateros.
 Offer van pools for people living in isolated parts of the county.
 Provide bus shelters and route signage,
 Provide Park & Rides for deviated fixed routes.
 Offer educational information through a travel trainer and van pool coordinator.
 Obtain dispatching software to increase efficiency.
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
The need for an air terminal.
In order to provide these services there will be an immediate need for additional buses and van
pool vehicles. A transit facility will be needed with adequate office space, secure parking for
buses, a terminal/transfer station and a bus maintenance garage.
In addition, transportation providers will have to determine whether they plan to offer deviated
fixed routes or fixed routes. FTA has recently clarified “deviated fixed” routes to include the
general public in access to deviation of the deviated fixed routes. Currently, deviation from the
fixed routes is only offered to seniors and handicapped. This clarification will affect how
transportation routes will be designed.
If deviating from fixed routes is eliminated, the cost of providing demand-response
transportation will increase. Evaluation of the impact of a change in service delivery methods
may bring cost increases.
Chapter 2 Description of Existing Transportation Services
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Deviated / Fixed Route Transit
Deviated fixed route is a hybrid of fixed route and demand response services. With this type of
service, a bus or van stops at fixed points and keeps to a timetable but can deviate its course
between two stops to go to a specific location for a pre-scheduled request. Deviated fixed route
service is often used to provide accessibility to people with disabilities and the elderly.
Okanogan County Transportation & Nutrition (OCTN)
OCTN currently provides transportation services to residents of 14 communities; Omak,
Okanogan, Malott, Oroville, Tonasket, Riverside, Ellisford, Brewster, Bridgeport, Pateros, Twisp,
Winthrop, Nespelem and Coulee Dam.
Okanogan County Commuter – Deviated Fixed
Originates in Omak and runs both north and south.
North route on Hwy 97 stops at Riverside, Tonasket, Ellisford and Oroville. Stops can be made
along the way on Hwy 97 if there is a safe place to pull off the road and if prior arrangements
are made. If someone is disabled or has small children making getting to the Hwy dangerous or
impossible, and special arrangements have been made in advance, OCTN will make the
deviation from the route to accommodate those passengers. This route makes 3 round trips per
day Monday through Friday; one early morning, one mid-day and one late afternoon.
Approximate round trip mileage is 90 miles.
South route on Hwy 97 stops at Okanogan and Malott, then takes Hwy 17 to Bridgeport, then
Hwy 173 to Brewster and back along Hwy 97 to Omak. This route can also have special
arrangements made to deviate from the route. This route makes 2 round trips per day Monday
through Thursday; one early morning and one late afternoon. Approximate round trip mileage is
88 miles.
Nespelem Commuter – Deviated Fixed
Originates in Omak and runs east through the Colville Indian Reservation
Originates in Omak on Hwy 2 to Nespelem, the Tribal Agency and Coulee Dam. This service
will also make stops along the way on Hwy 2 if there is a safe place to pull off the road and if
prior arrangements are made. This route makes 2 round trips per day Monday through Friday;
early morning and late afternoon.
Omak / Okanogan Shuttle – Deviated Fixed
Originates in North Omak and runs a loop to Okanogan and back to Omak.
Shuttle begins in North Omak down Hwy 97A stopping at designated bus stops in Omak and
Okanogan. This service will stop along 97A and pick up passengers if flagged down and there
is a safe place to pull off. Special arrangements may also be made in advance to deviate from
the route if necessary for passengers with special needs. This route makes continuous loops
on the hour at each designated stops Monday through Friday 8 am to 4 pm.
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Demand Response Service:
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Demand Response is a service where individual passengers can request transportation from a
specific location to another specific location at a specific time. Transit vehicles providing
demand response service do not follow a fixed route but travel throughout the community
transporting passengers according to their specific requests. This service is also sometimes
called “dial-a-ride” or “door-to-door”. This service usually requires advance reservations, but not
always.
OCTN currently provides these services at a level that is dependent on available funding.
Current demand response services are provided within a 10 mile radius of the 5 largest
communities in Okanogan County at the following levels:
Omak / Okanogan – 4 buses – Monday through Friday from 7 am to 5 pm
Oroville – 1 bus – Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – approximately 5 hours per day
Tonasket – 1 bus – Monday, Wednesday and Thursday – approximately 6 hours per day
Brewster / Pateros / Bridgeport – 1 bus – Monday through Thursday approximately 6 ½ hours
per day
Twisp / Winthrop – 1 bus – Monday, Thursday and Friday – approximately 7 hours per day
The demand response service also provides long distance trips from each area to Wenatchee
one time per month and to Omak one time per month.
OCTN’s existing transportation services are grant funded through Aging & Adult Care of Central
Washington, Washington State Department of Transportation through its consolidated grant
program, and OCTA funding. Funding for senior transportation from Aging & Adult Care of
Central Washington (AACCW) was removed effective June 2014. Effective June 2014,
Okanogan County Transit Authority replaced AACCW funding.
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Contract Services
A method of providing transportation where riders are matched with appropriate transportation
providers through a central trip-request and administrative facility. The transportation broker
may centralize vehicle dispatch, record keeping, vehicle maintenance and other functions under
contractual arrangements with agencies, municipalities and other organizations. Actual trips are
provided by a number of different vendors.
People for People
The Medical Transportation Program, a division of the Medical Assistance Administration
(MAA), provides rides to non-emergency services for all Medicaid clients who have no other
means of transportation. This program is administered through local brokers, who arrange the
transportation for eligible participants. People for People is the non-emergency medical
transportation broker for Okanogan County. In 2013 People for People contracted through all
modes of transportation (mileage reimbursement, gas vouchers, bus tickets/passes, volunteer
drivers, taxi, and cabulance) to provide 18,368 medical transportation rides in Okanogan
County.
Okanogan Valley Transportation contracts with People for People to provide medical rides in
Okanogan County.
Long Distance Service
Long distance service is provided between cities, often as a part of a large network of intercity
bus operators. Both express and local bus service may be provided. The Greyhound and
Trailways systems are examples of national intercity bus networks.
Trailways / Appleline
Trailways and Appleline offer long distance service only. The Appleline serves the Hwy 97
corridor with one round trip per day from Omak to Ellensburg through Wenatchee.
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Chapter 3 Key Findings
Study Area Description
Okanogan County is located in what is known as North Central Washington with a population of
41,120 (2010 census) and covers 5,281 square miles (Okanogan County web page); a size
slightly larger than the State of Connecticut. The county is rural with agriculture being the main
industry. The natural beauty of the county provides many high demand recreational
destinations. Many of the cities and towns are located long distances from each other. The
majority of medical and human services locations, major shopping centers and employment
opportunities are found in the largest city of Omak. County Government is located in Okanogan.
Lower income families move further out into the more distant/affordable areas of the county
where they have to travel longer distances for work and social or medical services.
Demographics
According to the 2010 Census, Okanogan County has a higher percentage of senior citizens,
veterans, persons with a disability, low income households and Spanish speaking residents
compared to the Washington State average. Often these same groups have limited vehicle
access and a greater need for transportation services.
A major challenge to the public transportation providers in Okanogan County is the fact that the
lower density, outlying areas, within the un-incorporated parts of the county contain the
populations with the greatest need for public transportation services.
The following statistics are from the US Zip Code Data base reflecting 2010 Census data for
each zip code. The zip codes extend beyond the city limits of each community to include the
surrounding area. Dial-a-ride service also extends beyond the city limits.
Zip
Code
98841
Zip Code
Population
9,197
Age 65+
population
1,470
Retired
Workers
1,390
Disabled
Workers
345
Number of
Households
3,618
Household
Avg Income
$41,875
98840
4,851
735
740
190
1,901
$42,438
98812
4,899
515
505
115
1,532
$43,255
98846
1,173
150
155
30
443
$41,250
98855
5,863
1,060
1,055
310
2,388
$37,530
98844
4,470
930
890
245
2,001
$31,583
98856
2,464
440
455
95
1,198
$35,476
98862
2,218
440
455
25
1,074
$44,103
98819
258
80
85
15
127
$47,917
98849
1078
200
55
210
462
$46,739
99155
1350
110
95
35
402
$21,094
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Common Origins
Identifying the common origins for all travel within Okanogan County was somewhat difficult. By
far, the most frequent users of the current transportation are either traveling within the Omak /
Okanogan area utilizing the demand response service or traveling from north county to the
Omak / Okanogan area utilizing the commuter service.
Common Destinations
The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Work Source and Work First are
located in Omak. DSHS serves the county’s population and many trips are to access those
services. The largest non-agricultural employers, Wenatchee Valley College, government
offices, large box stores and retail shopping are located in the Omak / Okanogan area.
Hospitals are located in Omak, Brewster and Tonasket. Confluence Health, Mid Valley Medical
Group, and Family Health Centers are located in Omak with satellite facilities in Oroville,
Tonasket, and Brewster. Several Vision centers are located in the Omak/Okanogan area.
Senior Centers are located in Omak, Okanogan, Brewster, Tonasket, Oroville and Twisp. North
Valley Hospital, located in Tonasket, also has a Veterans Affairs treatment center.
Emergency Management
Okanogan County Transportation & Nutrition, works with Okanogan County to outline their roles
in case of a large scale emergency or natural disaster. OCTN is also listed in the City of
Omak’s Comprehensive Plan as an emergency partner. Okanogan County Transit Authority will
establish emergency management relationships and plans when appropriate.
Intelligent Transportation Systems
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) include a broad range of technology solutions that
provide and manage information to improve the safety, efficiency, and performance of
transportation networks (i.e. electronic signage at bus stops and electronic fare collection
boxes).
When integrated into a transportation system’s infrastructure and into vehicles themselves,
these technologies relieve congestion, improve safety and performance of transportation
networks.
There is a need for ITS dispatch software and supportive hardware communication systems to
allow smart phone applications such as “Where’s my bus?” to increase efficiency and customer
satisfaction.
ITS provides many benefits and has been shown to boost overall ridership of transit.
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Needs-Gaps-Barriers
A key element of this plan is the evaluation of the current public transportation service needs
and the identification of gaps and barriers to these services within Okanogan County.
The stakeholder meetings employed the following guidelines to categorize identified
transportation needs.



Services that would not otherwise operate without grant funds
Extension and expansion of current services to meet an identified need
New service established to meet an identified need
During the planning meetings for the Okanogan Transit funding initiative, many additional needs
and gaps were identified. Those were considered as well as the needs and gaps identified
during the stakeholder meetings.
The need to maintain existing services was identified as the top priority by participants. Many
of existing services need additional funding just to maintain their current service levels.
Expanded routes, frequency and improved stop locations were also identified as a specific
need. This included service expansion within the existing service area to provide more trips.
New services were identified to fill gaps identified. Service to the Methow Valley, as well as a
need for better connectivity for access to employment, medical services and general
transportation between communities were of primary concern.
Many common barriers were identified by the participants. These included; lack of adequate
funding, lack of safe access to transit stops and information accessibility for users and agencies
working with specific populations with public transportation needs.
It was the consensus of the group that first and foremost is maintaining, at a minimum, the
current level of transportation services. Stakeholders went on to address needs and gaps in
services. Those included:
 Extend daily hours of service on all transportation routes and demand response service.
 Provide weekend service on all transportation routes and demand response service.
 Increase demand response service in the smaller communities to 5-7 days per week.
 Add and/or increase the number of deviated fixed routes from smaller communities to
the Omak area.
 Extend the hours of service on all deviated fixed routes.
 Add weekend service on all deviated fixed routes.
 Provide connectivity to Grant County Transit and to Link Transit in Chelan and Douglas
Counties for access to services not located in Okanogan County (i.e. health care
specialists, air and train service, shopping located in Spokane and Wenatchee).
 Add commuter routes between Winthrop and Twisp.
 Add commuter routes between Twisp and Omak and between Twisp and Pateros.
 Offer reduced fares on a sliding scale based on income.
 Offer van pools for people living in isolated parts of the county.
 Provide new deviated fixed commuter service between the Methow Valley and the
Omak/Okanogan area
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




Provide bus shelters to allow riders to get out of the extreme hot weather in summer and
the extreme cold weather in winter.
Provide Park & Rides for deviated fixed routes.
Provide dispatch software and supportive hardware communication systems and
location transponders
Offer educational information through a travel trainer and van pool coordinator.
Address the language barrier in accessing service for our Spanish speaking population.
In order to provide these services there will be an immediate need for additional buses and van
pool vehicles. A transit facility will be needed with adequate office space, secure parking for
buses, a terminal/transfer station and a bus maintenance garage.
An additional problem was identified. Transportation service is currently provided in a tri-city
area; Brewster / Pateros / Bridgeport. Brewster and Pateros are located in Okanogan County
and fall within Okanogan County Transit Authority (OCTA) boundary. Bridgeport is located in
Douglas County outside the current OCTA boundary. Bridgeport is not currently served by Link
Transit, the public transportation authority in Chelan and Douglas Counties, and could be
isolated with no transportation service. Options will have to be considered to address this
situation.
Ongoing outreach will continue by Okanogan County Transit Authority to further address the
transportation needs of Okanogan County.
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Chapter 4 Prioritization and Implementation
Prioritization Process
The purpose of this planning effort is to respond to both State and Federal requirements
associated with funding provided by the Consolidated Grant Program. Federal Guidance issued
by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) specifically requires the participation of diverse
groups of stakeholders to identify service gaps and / or barriers, strategize on the most
appropriate solutions to meet these needs based on local circumstances and prioritize these
needs for inclusion in the plan. Service gaps and unmet transportation needs were identified
through the series of stakeholder meetings during July and August of 2014. Projects were
developed and proposed from the needs identified by the stakeholders.
To assist the Okanogan Council of Governments in prioritizing service strategies and projects,
the following guidelines categorize the key elements identified as the rural transportation needs
of communities in Okanogan County.
1. Maintain the Existing Service:
Preserve and maintain the current transportation services that would not operate without
grant funds. The need to maintain existing services is identified as the top priority by
participants.
2. Expansion:
Expand routes, frequency and improve stop locations. This includes service expansion
within the existing service area to provide more trips to economically disadvantaged,
individuals with disabilities, and veterans by extending hours of operation and days of
service.
3. New Service:
New services identified to fill the need to improve connectivity in current operations.
4. Equipment:
Equipment necessary to the implementation, coordination, and effectiveness of projects.
The objective of the transportation providers of Okanogan County is preservation, effectiveness,
cost efficiency, coordination, and to meet the needs expressed by the target populations.
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The number of Priority A, B and C projects is assigned by WSDOT and each priority group is
assigned point bonuses to be added to scoring of grant applications.
Priority A projects are limited to 3 with 50 bonus points each
Priority B projects are limited to 3 with 25 bonus points each.
Priority C projects are limited to 3 with 12 bonus points each.
Priority D projects are not required by WSDOT, are not limited in number and receive no bonus
points.
In order to participate in the Consolidated Grant Program, projects must be identified in this
plan.
Projects addressing the transportation needs and gaps were included in all categories. Projects
were then prioritized by greatest need and greatest likelihood of funding with projects moving up
or down depending on the strength of each project.
Based on this process the following projects were selected for submittal to the Okanogan
Council of Governments Board. The Board will then forward the list to WSDOT.
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Okanogan County
Council of
Governments
Ranking
Recommended
Prioritization
Projects
A-1
Project Title
Preserve Okanogan County
& Colville Tribes Commuter
Routes
Description
Omak/Oroville
3 trips per day, 5 days per week
WSDOT
Consolidated Grant Program
Application
Omak/Brewster
2 trips per day, 4 days per week
(OCTN)
Omak/Coulee Dam
2 trips per day, 5 days per week
A-2
Expand Okanogan County
& Colville Tribes Commuter
Routes
Funding Source
Okanogan Behavioral
Healthcare
Colville Confederated Tribes
WSDOT
Consolidated Grant Program
Application
Increase Frequency of Routes
(OCTN)
Okanogan Behavioral
Healthcare
Colville Confederated Tribes
A-3
B-1
B-2
Preserve
Okanogan County Door-toDoor
Demand Response
Expand
Okanogan County Door-toDoor
Demand Response
Dispatch Hardware and
Software (Capital)
Dial-a-Ride Door-to-Door
service for seniors, low income
and disabled individuals and
general public
Expand hours of daily operation
Expand service access days
WSDOT
Consolidated Grant Program
Application
(OCTN)
Okanogan County Transit
Authority
WSDOT
Consolidated Grant Program
Application
(OCTN)
Okanogan County Transit
Authority
Transit Software
WSDOT
Consolidated Grant Program
Application
(OCTA)
Okanogan County Transit
Authority
B-3
C-1
WSDOT
Consolidated Grant Program
Application
Purchase and Install Bus
Stop Signs and Shelters
(Capital)
OCTN Bus Replacement
(OCTA)
Okanogan County Transit
Authority
Replace 2-4 buses to maintain
existing level of service.
WSDOT
Consolidated Grant Program
Application
(OCTN)
OCTN Replacement Funds
22
HSTP 2014
Implementation
In order to best meet the needs identified above, a number of new project proposals have been
added to the existing transportation services operating in the county. The proposed prioritized
project list was assembled, according to WSDOT instructions. The ranked list will be used by
WSDOT to assist in defining which projects throughout the state are funded through the
Consolidated Grant Program. The highest identified priority is to maintain existing services.
Funding awards will dictate implementation. All funded projects are projected for
implementation during the 2015-2017 biennium.
23
HSTP 2014
Appendix
24
HSTP 2014
Appendix A – Acronyms
ADA
Americans with Disabilities Act
ACCT
Agency Council on Coordinated Transportation
MAP 21
Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act
CCAM
Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility
DSHS
Department of Social & Health Services
FTA
Federal Transit Administration
HCA
Health Care Authority
HSTP
Human Services Transportation Plan
ITS
Intelligent Transportation Systems
NEMT
Non-emergency Medical Transportation
OCOG
Okanogan Council of Governments
OCTA
Okanogan County Transit Authority
OCTN
Okanogan County Transportation & Nutrition
RCW
Revised Code of Washington
RTPO
Regional Transportation Planning Organization
UWR
United We Ride
WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation
25
HSTP 2014
Stakeholders
Okanogan County Transportation & Nutrition facilitated stakeholder meetings. Actual
attendance at meetings was less than anticipated due to historic fires in Okanogan
County. The priority of interested parties was, naturally, helping those affected by the
fire and dealing with the devastated communities of our county. The towns of Pateros,
Brewster, Twisp and Winthrop were all either on evacuation notice or were evacuated.
Those invited to participate in the stakeholder meetings included:
Cheryl Wilson
Jodi DeCesari
Mayor Cindy Gagne
Skip Rosenthal
Bonita Duncan
Livia Melard
Marie Falmo
Duane Speiser
Alex Cardenas
Earl Worthington
Bonnie Vintin
Mike Billing
Nancy Nash
Cindy Faughn
Roni Holder-Diefenbach
Mayor Chuck Spieth
Chris Branch
James Gutschmidt
Doris Hughes
Wayne Adams
Dolly Englebretsen
Cleta Adams*
Clayton & Joyce Emry
Coralie Vansant
Joe & Evelyn Dull
Mayor Liberty Harrison
Christine Perry
Mayor Lee Webster
Jerry Tretwold
Rebecca Meadows
Geoffrey Reinwald
John Coxen
Ron Pasley
Apple Springs
Career Path Services
City of Omak
Okanogan Behavioral Health Care
Regency Manor
Wenatchee Valley College
DSHS
DSHS
DSHS
DSHS
DSHS/DVR
Mid Valley Hospital
Mid Valley Hospital
Omak School District
Economic Alliance
City of Oroville
City of Oroville, Planner
Oroville Senior Center
Oroville Senior Center
Okanogan County Senior Citizens Association
Okanogan County Senior Citizens Association
Oroville Senior Center
Oroville Senior Center
Oroville Senior Center
Oroville Senior Center
City of Pateros
City of Pateros, Council member
City of Brewster
Harmony House
Three Rivers Hospital
Brewster Chamber of Commerce
Brewster School District
Brewster Senior Center
26
HSTP 2014
Mayor Bill Finch
Janet Warner
Mayor Sam Martin
Mayor Gail Morin
Stefani Bowden
Jason Palmer
William Marchand
TrishDavis-Stacy
Mayor Jon Culp
Lael Duncan
Orlando Gonzales
Bess Derting
Sheila Kennedy
Ray Campbell
Jim Detro
Perry Hutson
Dr. Richard Johnson
Claudia Clausknitzel
Linnea Evans
Peggy Sullivan
Margo Amelong
Jessica Martin
Josh Thomson
Dave Dumas
Sally Alexander
Joe Fennison
Jessica Blake
Michael Blake
Deanne Konsack
Jennifer Fitzthum
Lisa Petersen
Tom Hanson
Paul Mahre
Judy Lorenzo
Teri Hickey
Terry Mattson
Jessica Sheehan
Kristin Smith
Mayor Sue Langdalen
Rocklyn Culp
Jackie Moriarty
Dr. Jensen
Mayor Soo Ing-Moody
Don Davidson
Margaret Rosenberg
Dwight Filer
City of Bridgeport
Conconully Chamber of Commerce
Town of Conconully
Elmer City
Town of Coulee Dam
Colville Confederated Tribes, Transportation
Colville Confederated Tribes, Transportation
Town of Nespelem
Mayor of Okanogan
Community Action
Family Health Centers, Omak
Okanogan Chamber of Commerce
Okanogan County Commissioner
Okanogan County Commissioner
Okanogan County Commissioner
Okanogan County Planning Council
Okanogan School District
Okanogan County Housing Authority
Okanogan Family Planning
Okanogan Juvenile Services
Support Center
Virginia Granger School
Okanogan County Engineer
Omak Senior Center
Okanogan County Senior Citizens Association
Omak Senior Center
Okanogan Behavioral Health Care
Okanogan County Transit Authority
Okanogan County Transportation & Nutrition
Okanogan County Transportation & Nutrition
Okanogan County Transit Authority
WSDOT
WSDOT
WSDOT
WSDOT
WSDOT
Town of Winthrop
Winthrop Chamber of Commerce
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop, Planner
Town of Twisp
Methow Family Practice
Town of Twisp
Twisp Chamber of Commerce
Methow Valley Senior Center
Town of Twisp, Council member
27
HSTP 2014
Hunter Maltais
Mayor Patrick Plumb
Jill Vugteveen
Julie Alley
Crystal Gage
Moira Hirst
Terri Orford
Chuck Meleer
Carol Lanigan
Richard Blakemore
Andy Keith
Vicki Turner
Home Depot
Sun Opta Fruit
Manfisher Ministries
Okanogan County Tourism
Omak Chamber of Commerce
Oroville Reman & Reload
Gold Diggers
Aero Methow
Methow Valley School District
City of Tonasket
City of Tonasket, Council member
Tonasket Chamber of Commerce
North Valley Hospital
North Valley Hospital, VA
Rehab & Health, Tonasket
Tonasket Senior Center
Tonasket School District
Wal-mart
Big R
Wenatchee Valley College
28